Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., changed our Nation forever through his
leadership, service, and clarity of vision. On the Martin Luther King,
Jr., Federal Holiday, we honor the lasting legacy of this great American,
remember the ideals for which he fought, and recommit ourselves to ensuring
that our country's promise extends to all Americans across this great land.

In the brief time Dr. King walked upon this earth, he devoted his life to
strengthening the content of the American character and called on our
Nation to live up to its founding principles of life, liberty, and the
pursuit of happiness for all its citizens. Dr. King's faith in the
Almighty gave him the courage to confront discrimination and segregation,
and he preached that all the powers of evil are ultimately no match for
even one individual armed with eternal truths. Through his determination,
spirit, and resolve, Dr. King helped lift souls and lead one of the
greatest movements for equality and freedom in history.

Our Nation has made progress toward realizing Dr. King's dream, yet the
work to achieve liberty and justice for all is never-ending. In July of
2006, I was honored to sign the "Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and Coretta
Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006,"
to renew the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and reaffirm our commitment to
securing the voting rights of all Americans. My Administration will
continue to protect the rights won through the sacrifice of Dr. King and
other civil rights leaders, and our country will never rest until equality
is real, opportunity is universal, and all citizens are empowered to
realize their dreams.

As we observe Dr. King's birthday, I encourage all Americans to celebrate
his memory by performing acts of kindness through service to others. Let
us live out Dr. King's teachings as we continue to work for the day when
the dignity and humanity of every person is respected.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 21, 2008, as the
Martin Luther King, Jr.,
Federal Holiday. I encourage all Americans to observe this day with
appropriate civic, community, and service programs and activities in honor
of Dr. King's life and legacy.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of
January, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirty-second.